참돔(Pagrus major) Tetraspanin-31 (PmTSPAN31) 유전자의 분자생물학적 특성 및 발현분석

Abstract

In this study, we identified and characterized the Pagrus major tetraspanin-31 gene (PmTSPAN31), analyzing its molecular features, tissue-specific expression, and transcriptional responses following pathogen infection. The full-length coding sequence consisted of 639 bp, encoding 212 amino acids with four transmembrane domains and 11 cysteine residues. CYS_REC analysis predicted four disulfide bonds, consistent with the conserved structure of TSPAN31 proteins. Phylogenetic analysis placed PmTSPAN31 within the teleost TSPAN31 cluster, showing the highest similarity to that of yellowfin seabream. Tissue-specific expression profiling in healthy fish revealed high mRNA levels in the eye and brain, suggesting potential roles in neural function. Upon experimental infection with Streptococcus iniae, Edwardsiella piscicida, and red seabream iridovirus (RSIV), PmTSPAN31 expression sig- nificantly decreased in the spleen across all pathogens, while showing organ- and pathogen-dependent variation in the liver, kidney, and gills. The sustained downregulation in the spleen may reflect immune modulation or cellular dysfunction during infection. These findings suggest that PmTSPAN31 could play a regulatory role in immune responses and highlights the need for further functional validation. This study provides foundational insight into the immunobiological role of TSPAN31 in teleost fish.